Her Heart's Desire

“None called.”

“Fine.” She laughed. “How long will you be gone?”

“A week.”

She leaned forward. “I’ll miss you.”

Ivan kissed her. “How much?”

“More than you know. The Love Broker is having a Fourth of July party at her house on Saturday. We were invited,” she informed him.

“Damn, I forgot all about that.” He groaned. “I can’t make it. I have another assignment—in Las Vegas. It’s just overnight, though. I’ll let her know today. She’s going to kill me for not responding to her invitation sooner.”

“You’d better do it before you leave,” Tiffany warned. “You’re coming back on Sunday, right?”

“Yep.”

“Then, we’ll go over then. She’s having her usual Sunday night dinner.”

“Two parties in a row? Isn’t that a bit much, even for Jeannie?”

“Yes, but she insisted on doing both.”

“Okay. I’ll phone her on the way home. How about dinner tonight?”

She frowned. “I can’t. I’m doing inventory later.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to consult my calendar, Colonel Mangum. I can’t be—”

Ivan silenced her with his lips. He was thorough in his assault, and when he pulled away, Tiffany almost went with him. She sat back slowly and said with considerable effort, “I’m free on Friday.”

He gave her a smug look. “Great. How about seven o’clock at my place?”

“Your place? Uh, yeah. You certainly don’t think I’m going to turn down an invitation to see where you live, do you? I was starting to think that it was some mythical place where unicorns and leprechauns lived.”

“Funny,” he countered. “We’ve got it back to a place where my mother won’t kill me for having you over. She’s old-school. She doesn’t think of having company if the house doesn’t look one hundred percent.”

“I can understand that,” Tiffany replied. “I’ll be there at seven on Friday.”

“We’ll be there,” he informed her. “I’m picking you up.”

“Ivan, you don’t have to come get me. I can drive myself.”

“I know, but I’m picking you up anyway—if you have no objections, of course.”

Tiffany started to protest, but then stopped. “I’ll be awaiting my limo and driver.”

He winked. “I also do private parties…if you’re interested.”

“Oh, I’m definitely interested,” she replied, and then stared him up and down. She licked her lips for effect.

“Flirt.”

Tiffany smiled. “I’ve got to get back to work, but I’m glad you told me about the trip.” She stood up and held her hand out. “I’ll miss you.”

Ivan got up and slipped her hand in his. “I’ll miss you too, Tiff.”